Netanyahu claims victory, but Herzog not conceding

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory in the Israeli elections after midnight on Wednesday, Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog said he was still in the race to form Israel's next government.

"Everything is open," Herzog told activists in Tel Aviv after analysts said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have a far easier task of putting together a 61-seat majority than Herzog.

"I intend to make every effort to build a real social government in Israel."

Meanwhile, Netanyahu addressed a crowd of supporters, saying he had won the election.

“Against all odds, we achieved a great victory for Likud. We achieved a great victory for our people,” the Times of Israel quoted him as saying.

“And now we must establish a strong, stable government that will take care of the security and welfare of all Israel’s citizens.”